When a Veteran starts considering whether or not to file a VA Disability Claim, there are a lot of questions that he or she tends to ask. Over the last 10 years, the following are the 14 most common basic questions I am asked about ...Continue Reading

You’ve just been rated 100% disabled by the Veterans Affairs. After the excitement of finally having the rating you deserve wears off, you start asking questions. One of the first questions that you might ask is this: It’s a legitimate question – rare is the Veteran that finds themselves sitting on the couch eating bon-bons …Continue reading

I have been following this website, among others, and have found it to be profoundly helpful in guiding me through the VA claims process as well as hearing stories from other veterans and their loved ones struggling with the same issues I have been struggling with for years. I have only posted once before on here and got some very helpful responses. I am hoping that there maybe are a few of you out there that can help me get a grasp on what is happening right now as I am becoming increasingly anxious with my claims status and the continuing deterioration of aspects of my financial, social and emotional well being. I appreciate all comments (helpful and courteous of course) and feel that my overall point with this thread is to get a grasp on where I am at, claim-wise, and where I might be headed. As well as any suggestions for actions I could take or any contacts in my local area, or for that matter nationwide, that might be able to help.

A little background. I filed a claim in feb 2013 for PTSD along with depression, anxiety attacks (ect.). I did so under the advise of a veterans outreach officer who I was contacted by while serving a year sentence in jail for brandishing a firearm. While not a Dr. or therapist, she immediately recognized symptoms and behavior patterns indicating pretty severe reactions to trauma. Not wanting to go into too much detail about what landed me in jail (I think it speaks for itself) prior to that, my behavior and emotional stability had slowly deteriorated from my discharge in 2006. Over the course of 7 years from my deployment in 2005 I developed anxiety which was treated in service and recorded in my SMR. I started medicating with alcohol (in addition to the SSRI's prescribed) and was kicked out of the Navy for etoh treatment refusal, racked up 2 DUI's, dropped out of college, fired from multiple jobs and lost a business (restaurant) that I had started resulting in bankruptcy, homelessness, and me being basically destitute. After ending my incarceration in March, I was living in a veterans homeless shelter and found a part-time job. I was able to rent a small room temporarily, but unfortunately it is no longer available and, as of the 15th of next month I will be back at the shelter until I am able to find something else.

So that was me after my deployment in 2004-2005. Before 2004 I was an exceptional sailor with glowing evals, tons of friends, hobbies, ambition. I joined up in 2003 out of high school with a 99 ASVAB turning down college acceptance in lieu of service for my country. Now I find it hard to have interactions with anybody for any longer than 60 seconds. I rarely leave my room and have no, and I really mean no friends at all. I haven't spoken with a single member of my family in over a year. It has been quite a transformation.

While I did deploy to a combat zone in 2004-2005, I was never in immediate life-threatening danger however my rate did subject me to some intense situations. I worked at a field hospital in Kuwait in casualty receiving doing trauma care as a Hospital Corpsman. Which brings me to my first question. I have described in detail in my stressor letter one, of many, situations (this one involving mass casualty) however I am still not sure if my stressor has been verified or conceded. I had a psych C&P done on 11/6/13 which my therapist from the VetCenter went over very briefly with me but I did not get to examine. He told me that the C&P examiner had indeed indicated a diagnosis of PTSD (55 GAF) but he failed to mention anything about a stressor, only that he thought my GAF was too high in his opinion and that it "seemed to look good otherwise". My question arises because, while I did think that because of my MOS and where I was deployed, during the time-frame and especially with the new regs it really wasn't even an issue about conceding the stressor (not to mention I was under the belief they don't schedule PTSD C&P's without verifying stressors to begin with), checking my ebenefits site it shows under solicited documents "O18 Personnel records-personal trauma". Is this a cause for concern as the O18 PIES request is more in-depth and time consuming than the O19? Does this indicate somehow that my stressor is not in fact verified or conceded at this stage and needs more investigation? I am aware that ebenefits is not regarded as being very accurate, however it makes me anxious because my VSO (who gets my mail due to me being homeless) has been receiving repeated VCAA notices as well as letters saying the VA never received my stressor letter (like 6 in all) even as recently as last month despite the fact that it was all sent in (3 times now, with receipts, from April) and the RO confirms this. Could this just be their system being a little cock-eyed? Also, to jump back to the C&P, supposing that SC is awarded, with my history, DX, GAF, any thoughts on rating. I know that without a copy of the exam, and it all kinda being a toss-up anywho, this is basically just shots in the dark. I know that the words "moderate to severe" were used. I have a concern that because I am technically "employed" that will work against me. However, I am hoping they take into consideration I work 8-12 hours a week and make less that 1000 a month and that I am homeless. When I filed my I was unemployed (incarcerated) and requested TDIU. Would I still qualify, or more to the point, that they would still consider it, being that I do have a job. But to be honest it is a nightmare struggle everyday at work. Even just the 2-3 days a week 4-6 hours at a time I am in a near constant state of anxiety attack. And my last question/concern has to do with time frame. I went to a second C&P on 11/20/13 which was the last one scheduled (physical, for headaches, chest pain, photophobia associated with anxiety attacks). My ebenefits page tells me my claim has moved into the "preparing for decision" phase. Not sure if that is good or bad. I know the backlog is horrendous but I honestly expected a time frame of 8-12 months. As of now I am at 273 days and counting. I know that my VSO has submitted a financial hardship form, and even the C&P examiner was aware of my homelessness. He did mention I need to get a bank account (possibly a good sign) but I have yet to get a paycheck that covers more than my bus fare and top ramen at walmart. I am understanding of the wait and also know that VA disability is just one aspect of the overall treatment of PTSD, however making it to appointments, staying positive, and trying to heal and get better is difficult to do while homeless and hungry. I am hoping that since my last C&P was a week ago (and according to my VSO I am in a priority group) a decision will be made within the next 30 or so days and I won't have to spend to much more of the winter in a homeless shelter. Is this a reasonable hope? Anyone know the current timeframes of the San Diego VARO?

If you have any answers/comments/advice I really appreciate any tips to help me along. I know I have just dumped a huge novel of a posting and I hope it hasn't been in poor taste. I want to thank this site and everyone here for all the help and guidance I have received from just being a reader. I know that, while I am very far from good, hearing the stories and successes of people getting help has allowed me to believe I have a future. It took a lot for me to start seeking help but the VA, the VetCenter and sites like this have pushed me to stick with it and keep fighting the good fight so thanks.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

2 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

I'd check w/the VA about doing something about your homeless situation. As for your claim, I don't know. It's common for the VA to lose documents. Usually they are misfiled. Do you have a common last name??

pr

PS - can you break up your posts more. I found that one toooo long and very hard to read. Maybe spacing and using more paragraphs?

The sad thing is even with the Hardship the VA is still taking 6-9 months on so called Fast Claims. I am like you, I resigned from a 100K job last month, and if I don't get approved for an increase or my SSD claim then my family and I will be in rough shape by the spring. I have severe PTSD and I was in OIF and OEF. The battle is a struggle every day. Just keep the faith and please don't do anything that will put you in jail bud. I really do care about all my brothers and sisters that have ever served. We have lost too many as it is. God bless and take care.

Similar Content

Hello everyone I am new to the site. And I recent submit a the dbq for an increase for my PTSD and I trying to understand it but im just not getting it. So I figured would ask you all. Below is what the examiner put in the record.

Review Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Disability Benefits Questionnaire
Name of patient/Veteran: =========
Is this DBQ being completed in conjunction with a VA 21-2507, C&P
Examination
Request?
[X] Yes [ ] No
SECTION I:
----------
1. Diagnostic Summary
---------------------
Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with PTSD?
[X] Yes [ ] No
ICD Code: F43.1
2. Current Diagnoses
--------------------
a. Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: PTSD
ICD Code: F43.1
b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the
Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI):
No response provided.
3. Differentiation of symptoms
------------------------------
a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed?
[ ] Yes [X] No
c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [X] Not shown in records reviewed
4. Occupational and social impairment
-------------------------------------
a. Which of the following best summarizes the Veteran's level of
occupational
and social impairment with regards to all mental diagnoses? (Check only
one)
[X] Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and
productivity
b. For the indicated level of occupational and social impairment, is it
possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social
impairment indicated above is caused by each mental disorder?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [X] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed
c. If a diagnosis of TBI exists, is it possible to differentiate what
portion
of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by
the
TBI?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [X] No diagnosis of TBI
SECTION II:
-----------
Clinical Findings:
------------------
1. Evidence Review
------------------
Evidence reviewed (check all that apply):
[X] VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA)
[X] CPRS
Evidence Comments:
MENTAL HEALTH OUTPATIENT FOLLOW UP NOTE [excerpts]
DATE OF NOTE: MAR 05, 2018
AUTHOR: ========,NP NURSE PRACTITIONER
CHIEF COMPLAINT: "same old same old"
INTERVAL HISTORY:
Veteran is here for 6 week follow up for PTSD, Alcohol Use Disorder,
unspecified, episodic. At last appointment, low dose venlafaxine was
added, aripiprazole, prazosin, and melatonin were continued.
He reports symptoms are about the same. His wife is pregnant with twins,
so he is trying to minimize arguments at home. He worries he will not be
able to connect with the babies, because he struggled so much with his
daughter and points to her persistence as the reason they are close now.
He see no change in sleep, remains irritable, and more hypervigilant due
To recent car break ins on his street. He has cut down on drinking, and
denies any binges since last appointment. He continues to have fleeting
SI, but denies intent. He often has thoughts of hurting others, but
strongly denies acting on the thoughts. No recent hallucinations. He
does talk to himself when he is trying to work something out, but denies
hearing voices other than his own. It can be embarrassing as coworkers and wife
have caught him.
ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT PLAN GOALS:
DSM 5 Diagnostic Impression
PTSD
Alcohol Use Disorder, Unspecified, episodic
Goals:
1. Decrease irritability and anger- does not interfere with home or work
life more than one time per month, ongoing, improving
2. Improve feeling of connection with others- enjoying and developing
relationships, ongoing, no change
3. Decrease avoidance of social situations/crowds- can tolerate Wal Mart,
enjoy outings with family, ongoing, no change
4. Improve sleep- no difficulty falling asleep, sleep 6 to 8 hours
nightly, ongoing, worsening
PLAN AND PROGRESS TOWARDS TREATMENT PLAN GOALS:
reviewed records and discussed options
- increasing venlafaxine to 75 mg
- continuing aripiprazole, prazosin, and melatonin
- suggested individual supportive counseling at the Vet Center after Dr.
Bhatia leaves.
- monitoring labs at next appointment
- Will continue to follow closely. RTC 6 weeks/PRN
2. Recent History (since prior exam)
------------------------------------
a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history:
Last C&P PTSD DBQ May 2016
Lives in Moncks Corner, SC with wife of 9 years and daughter age 4.
Daily routine: Lay down for bed 2100. Will fall asleep 2300. Wake
frequently. "I have to do certain things to calm down. I need my
gun next to me. I have to check the house make sure its locked. Make sure
the alarm is on. If I hear something, it wakes me right up and I have
to check it out." +Nightmares, night sweats. "Sometimes
I'm swinging and yelling and talking in my sleep, so my wife leaves for a different
room. I wake up and she's not there and it freaks me out."
Prescribed
melatonin for sleep, prazosin for nightmares. Abilify for PTSD.
Diagnosed sleep apnea by sleep study in 2013, prescribed CPAP and is
compliant.
Relationship with wife: "We almost got divorced a few times. She
didn't understand what was going on. She started reading up on it. The whole
reason I went to mental health was because of her."
Relationship with daughter: "She is scared of me. She has seen me
Snap a few times. She is on guard. She doesn't know if I'm going
to be up or down. She is my heart. She is the only thing that makes me feel
normal." Will watch cartoons and read books together.
Hobbies: play basketball, go to gym "but now I just sit in the
House watch TV or just in the room." Likes anime.
Support: father "he's been with me through everything."
And is Veteran
too, wife "but there is a wall there where I don't open
up."
b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history:
Working for passport services for 3 years. "Its rough at times.
There's a lot of people in there. They had to move my seat because I'm
too jumpy. They moved it so I'm not around a lot of people. It is hard
to focus. I have to use sticky notes. They have been pretty supportive.
I've had good supervisors." Was counselled about days missing
for work; "I had a blow up at my co-workers so they spoke to me about
that." Miss 2-3 days per month. "When I get to work, I drive around the
Building and if I see something I don't like, I just go home."
Military history: E4, MP, Separated 2014, Honorable, Served about 6
years.
c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and
family mental health:
Mental health treatment with prescriber and therapist. No history of
hospitalizations. Was in group therapy "but I didn't like it."
d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history:
"When I was in Japan I got us into trouble because of my alcohol
abuse. I got into a car accident and hit 3 cars." Was sent to ADAP for
anger and PTSD. A month ago got into a physical altercation with sister's
boyfriend "I laid hands on him. So then I went to a hotel room and stayed there and
then I went on a drink binge."
e. Relevant Substance abuse history:
Alcohol - "I abused it really bad. My PCM said it was affecting
My liver." Was drinking4-5 25 oz beers, drink a bottle of liquor over
The weekend. Now will drink 1-2 beers.
Tobacco - 2-3/day
Denies other substances.
f. Other, if any:
Current reported symptoms:
Anger: "I black out and become very violent. I knock TVs off
walls. My wife was ready to leave me."
Triggers: "foggy day and rain." "Ignorant and stupid
people."
Social avoidance.
"If a car is behind me too long, I start to think he is following
me. There is a particular truck that I know and he gets too close to me. I
got sick of it and one day I followed him home. I didn't do
anything, but I blacked out mad. I knew I needed help."
Flashbacks - "I was shopping with my wife, and this guy had a
turban on his head and I thought I was back there. Its constant, its all the
time."
Hygiene - "My wife got on my because I went a week without washing
And I didn't even realize it."
Suicide - "I thought about driving into traffic at the light. One
Time I sped up and got on railroad tracks when a train was coming. I
thought, what am I doing? I went into store parking lot." Reports
this occurred 2 weeks ago. "I keep a picture of my daughter in the car
to keep me from [doing it]."
3. PTSD Diagnostic Criteria
---------------------------
Please check criteria used for establishing the current PTSD diagnosis. The
diagnostic criteria for PTSD, are from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The stressful event can be due to
combat, personal trauma, other life threatening situations (non-combat
related stressors). Do NOT mark symptoms below that are clearly not
attributable to the Criterion A stressor/PTSD. Instead, overlapping
symptoms clearly attributable to other things should be noted under #6 - "Other
symptoms".
Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened a) death, b) serious
injury,
c) sexual violence, in one or more of the following ways:
[X] Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s)
[X] Witnessing, in person, the traumatic event(s) as they
occurred to others
Criterion B: Presence of (one or more) of the following intrusion
Symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the
traumatic event(s) occurred:
[X] Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing
Memories of the traumatic event(s).
[X] Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or
affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s).
[X] Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the
individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s)
were recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum,
with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of
awareness of present surroundings).
[X] Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure
To internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an
aspect of the traumatic event(s).
[X] Marked physiological reactions to internal or external
cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the
traumatic
event(s).
Criterion C: Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the
Traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic events(s) occurred,
as evidenced by one or both of the following:
[X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories,
thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with
the traumatic event(s).
[X] Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders
(people, places, conversations, activities, objects,
situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts,
or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic
event(s).
Criterion D: Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with
the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the
traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more)
of
the following:
[X] Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or
expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g.,
"I
am bad,: "No one can be trusted,: "The world is
completely
dangerous,: "My whole nervous system is permanently
ruined").
[X] Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or
consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the
individual to blame himself/herself or others.
[X] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror,
anger, guilt, or shame).
[X] Markedly diminished interest or participation in
significant activities.
[X] Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
[X] Persistent inability to experience positive emotions
(e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction,
or
loving feelings.)
Criterion E: Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with
the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the
traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more)
of
the following:
[X] Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no
provocation) typically expressed as verbal or physical
aggression toward people or objects.
[X] Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
[X] Hypervigilance.
[X] Exaggerated startle response.
[X] Problems with concentration.
[X] Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying
asleep or restless sleep).
Criterion F:
[X] The duration of the symptoms described above in Criteria
B, C, and D are more than 1 month.
Criterion G:
[X] The PTSD symptoms described above cause clinically
significant distress or impairment in social,
occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Criterion H:
[X] The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological
effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or
another medical condition.
4. Symptoms
-----------
For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the
Veteran's diagnoses:
[X] Depressed mood
[X] Anxiety
[X] Suspiciousness
[X] Chronic sleep impairment
[X] Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions or recent
events
[X] Flattened affect
[X] Impaired judgment
[X] Disturbances of motivation and mood
[X] Difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or
a
worklike setting
[X] Suicidal ideation
[X] Impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritability with
periods
of violence
[X] Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene
5. Behavioral observations
--------------------------
Veteran was open and forthright with no evidence of exaggeration or
feigning symptoms. Affect blunted. Minimal eye contact. Speech regular
rate, tone, volume. Thought process linear, logical, goal directed.
Thought content absent for delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or HI.
Endorses SI with no active plan, but drove car onto train tracks last
week. Discussed safety, crisis line, Veteran has MHC appointment next
week. Veteran reports safety to return home today.
6. Other symptoms
-----------------
Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to PTSD (and other
mental disorders) that are not listed above?
[ ] Yes [X] No
7. Competency
-------------
Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs?
[X] Yes [ ] No
8. Remarks, (including any testing results) if any:
---------------------------------------------------
PCL-5 score 72, indicating probable diagnosis of PTSD.
Veteran continues to meet criteria for PTSD. He reports social
withdrawal, sleep problems, memory problems, irritability, anger that is both verbal
and physical, suicidal thoughts. He has work accommodations because of
his PTSD symptoms. He misses several days of work a month because of his
symptoms.

I'm new to this site, and somewhat novice with claims as I've ignored them since my discharge in 2012, but I have some questions that I've yet to find answers for that hopefully someone can help me with:
In a nutshell, my story is I did my four years, two hellish combat tours to Afghan, got out in 2012, immediately filed my claims for a few disabilities like back and shoulder issues and got a 40% rating total. I've since not looked back as none of that concerns me. My issue now is that I was sent to a mandatory PTSD screening during one of my visits that year, and the examiner kind of went about the thing blase, and although I did tell her most of my traumatic experiences, she gave me 0% for "Combat PTSD not related to military service" as it says in their justification, whatever that means. I don't think they even attempted to listen to me as my experiences were extraordinarily traumatic and have been a detriment to my mental health and quality of life since. And yet I now have an effective date of a PTSD claim from day of discharge 6 years ago for 0%, says it right on eBenefits. I think you know where I'm going with this...
After 6 years of dealing with a slew of issues related to PTSD, I decided this week to start looking into trying to re open the case. My questions for you are.... Would I be entitled to any back pay if I could prove that I've suffered from PTSD since then, and that they made their original decision in error? And if so, how could I go about receiving the exact paper work / medical records from that one specific screening I had in 2012? I've looked everywhere and I don't really know how to navigate either of these situations...
Thanks a lot!

I have been working with a VSO to file my claim. I am currently in the process of gathering information. Only thing, file for MST with PTSD or file PTSD. VSO was hung up on the sexual part of MST.
Background:
Was in service 1991-2000. In 1995 was involved with a female soldier, who also was involved with another male (married) soldier. After an exercise and the last night sleeping together she asked me to kill his wife. After the second time I went to CID and wore a wire twice. While the Article 32 hearing was going on she was let out of pre-trial and started harassing me, being around me. I was moved from my company to another, and ultimately to the brigade HQ (rear detachment). Brigade HQ was deployed then. Both the female soldier and male soldier were other than honorable discharged, but I was exiled for a year. Not the same after. As I was getting out in 1999 I learned that she had asked other people in the unit to kill me. I was seen at a Vet center into 2000.
Same time as the Article 32, my chain of command was trying to discipline me for an Article 15/court martial. The incident was with the female soldier (before she had asked me) and was on a trumped up charge. Even had the 1st sergeant threatened me in his office about "if he could not get me on that charge he would find another". After my time in Brigade HQ I returned to almost a new unit, only 5% knew me. All I wanted was out, but he harassed me every day to change my mind and go to the promotion board. Would not even let anyone drive me to airport to PCS.
It took my wife to point out that when I get harassed or witness it at work that I am affected by it. I am currently being seen for it by the Vet center I was seen at before. The vet center had listed me as PTSD and marked as military trauma.

Also, I don't have anything from that time as I was not in a good place and as a 26 year old did not want the reminders in my barracks room. So if anyone knows how to get the CID or JAG records I am all ears.

Hello and TYIA for any responses and for reading my long post.
BLUF: I would appreciate some insight or just plain ol speculatin on why the VA raters would submit me for a lumbar strain increase (that I didn’t submit for) while working on my current claim? Also, are secondary conditions disqualified in the 60% calculation for SMC Housebound? I know it says the 60% must be separate from the 100% condition, but how does this work if I’m on IU, with secondary conditions?
I’m probably overthinking at 4am but why would they submit me for an increase for a condition when I didn’t ask them, and the increase has no bearing on the final rating due to VA math, unless it qualifies me for SMC, or they believe I should be qualified. I’ve never raised the issue of SMC and I’m still learning about it trying to figure out my claim, and I know they are supposed to do due diligence, but that’s not my first hunch since that’s why I’m still in this process.
History: I filed a claim in 2015 for PTSD increase and TDIU, was granted increase in 2016 to 70% PTSD, denied TDIU. Combined, 80% with other SC conditions. BBE/VSO said I was denied increase to 100% even though I had a nexus statement from a psychologist saying total social and occupational impairment, at least as likely as not, etc., but they said because I was still employed (I was on long term disability leave but not yet “terminated” and yes they had the relevant evidence through my employer and insurance), and my VA treating provider’s opinion took precedence who didn’t feel my symptoms quite qualified me for total of course, though he‘s a CRNP versus a psychologist and I don’t think he even knows me. I thought they were supposed to take the rating and credentials that favor the Veteran but never mind me. I also survived and was approved for Social Security and life insurance premium waivers during this period without having to appeal, with the same medical information and evidence, with the same VA SC conditions, even coming from VA docs and providers.
Of course I appealed the rating and TDIU denial (they can decide) in 2016. I also submitted a new claim for secondaries to PTSD, and in my fog, with that claim an increase for PTSD and TDIU, even though I already had those on appeal. I believe I read or was told somewhere (or maybe my brain made it up) that if I submitted new evidence, the raters could look back at the effective date and could EED to the original claim if the evidence shows and close the appeal. Or, they could approve me from the date of the new claim and the appeal could deal with the stuff before that. But what they did was what they are apparently supposed to do (according to Peggy and the VSOs): defer the appeal related claims to the appeal. DOH.
Current Status: Early this month my claim progressed and I was granted an increase to 30% for IBS secondary to my 70% PTSD, and since I had a pre-existing 10% for nerve condition and 20% for lumbar strain, that brought me to 90%. My claim never went to complete and I never got the BBE, ebenefits bounced around from gathering of evidence to pending decision approval within days of my last C&P (I had one for PTSD and one for IBS). I’m not sure why they would give me a C&P for PTSD if they are deferring that part of my claim to appeal as I was told. Maybe they’re just giving me a checkup because my 30 appointments and inpatient stays and shock treatments over the past year weren’t enough medical evidence.
I learned of the increase bc I got a small retro and my ebenefits letters and disabilities changed within days, but the claim stayed open. I found out by calling Peggy and VSO that it’s due to an increase for my lumbar strain that someone in the rating chain put in. I do have plenty of evidence in my medical records that show my back is also crap. I got sent to a C&P for my lumbar strain and now I wait in GOE. The C&P examiner, Peggy, VSOs specifically say I was submitted for an increase for my back, not a review. BTW, in ebenefiits in the disabilities section, the PTSD increase is still open, the TDIU disappeared, the IBS is rated, and the lumbar strain doesn’t appear. Yes, I know ebenefits is unreliable and I should find something else to do, but compulsively logging into ebenefits is an activity quite similar to playing a slot machine for me. Every 1 in 10000000 logins I might get a glimmer of hope, and it keeps me going lol.
I Wonder: What difference does it make if I’m rated 20% or 30% for my lumbar strain? Why would this be raised since my overall rating won’t change from 90% either way? Trust me, I AM NOT COMPLAINING AND I AM GRATEFUL, anything they do (and they have been getting faster and more Vet-friendly it seems) positive for the Veteran that saves future agony and torture is an appreciated blessing. It would help in the future in qualifying for SMC, but I don’t qualify with the math now. Just wondering if they don’t have enough to do over there, because in the future I’d probably have to get another C&P. Also, I would have to have another condition at 30% for that math to work out, and I pray nothing else worsens enough for that to happen.
Does “separate” mean it can’t affect the same body system or it can’t be a secondary condition? Because with secondaries, I could potentially qualify for SMC, and therefore the VA rater would be setting me up for success. Otherwise, it just seems like extra work for them when they could close my case and get their quota numbers and help another Vet...again, not complaining but whoever is on my file seems to be thorough regardless.
I know they could be doing anything over there, and I’m glad they’re working on my claim, but just for s&g I’d appreciate any guesses or suggestions, and any help clarifying the SMC Housebound math thing please.
Thank you all.

I was never diagnosed in service with OSA. I weigh 220 and I am 6' tall. I am rated at 70% for PTSD and the meds I take add to the OSA. I had my personal Dr. and the Psychiatrist I see both write letters to support that the meds I take add to and cause the OSA. My Dr filled out the DBQ and sent it in as well. I had a failed sleep study results sent in with my claim. I also have documentation I sent it that back up the fact that OSA is tied to PTSD and is aggravated by PTSD. Then sleeping with the prescribed CPAP machine adds to the PTSD. Just curious if anyone has ever won this claim? I am going to appeal but wanted to get any advise here first if someone has any to share.. not sure if there is anyone who has gone this route before and won?

I see now the VA is using ecstasy on Veterans saying it helps cure mental illness. Ecstasy causes some major brain damage. The VA Hospital forcefully did lobotomies on 2000 WW2 Veterans and ruined their lives.
Roman Tritz’s memories of the past six decades are blurred by age and delusion. But one thing he remembers clearly is the fight he put up the day the orderlies came for him.
“They got the notion they were going to come to give me a lobotomy,” says Mr. Tritz, a World War II bomber pilot. “To hell with them.”
The orderlies at the veterans hospital pinned Mr. Tritz to the floor, he recalls. He fought so hard that eventually they gave up. But the orderlies came for him again on Wednesday, July 1, 1953, a few weeks before his 30th birthday.
This time, the doctors got their way.
The U.S. government lobotomized roughly 2,000 mentally ill veterans—and likely hundreds more—during and after World War II, according to a cache of forgotten memos, letters and government reports unearthed by The Wall Street Journal. Besieged by psychologically damaged troops returning from the battlefields of North Africa, Europe and the Pacific, the Veterans Administration performed the brain-altering operation on former servicemen it diagnosed as depressives, psychotics and schizophrenics, and occasionally on people identified as homosexuals.
The VA doctors considered themselves conservative in using lobotomy. Nevertheless, desperate for effective psychiatric treatments, they carried out the surgery at VA hospitals spanning the country, from Oregon to Massachusetts, Alabama to South Dakota.
Roman Tritz talks about the scars from his lobotomy.
The VA’s practice, described in depth here for the first time, sometimes brought veterans relief from their inner demons. Often, however, the surgery left them little more than overgrown children, unable to care for themselves. Many suffered seizures, amnesia and loss of motor skills. Some died from the operation itself.
Mr. Tritz, 90 years old, is one of the few still alive to describe the experience. “It isn’t so good up here,” he says, rubbing the two shallow divots on the sides of his forehead, bracketing wisps of white hair.
The VA’s use of lobotomy, in which doctors severed connections between parts of the brain then thought to control emotions, was known in medical circles in the late 1940s and early 1950s, and is occasionally cited in medical texts. But the VA’s practice, never widely publicized, long ago slipped from public view. Even the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it possesses no records of the lobotomies performed by its predecessor agency.
Musty files warehoused in the National Archives, however, show VA doctors resorting to brain surgery as they struggled with a vexing question that absorbs America to this day: How best to treat the psychological crises that afflict soldiers returning from combat.
Between April 1, 1947, and Sept. 30, 1950, VA doctors lobotomized 1,464 veterans at 50 hospitals authorized to perform the surgery, according to agency documents rediscovered by the Journal. Scores of records from 22 of those hospitals list another 466 lobotomies performed outside that time period, bringing the total documented operations to 1,930. Gaps in the records suggest that hundreds of additional operations likely took place at other VA facilities. The vast majority of the patients were men, although some female veterans underwent VA lobotomies, as well.
Lobotomies faded from use after the first antipsychotic drug, Thorazine, hit the market in the mid-1950s, revolutionizing mental-health care.
The forgotten lobotomy files, military records and interviews with veterans’ relatives reveal the details of lives gone terribly wrong. There was Joe Brzoza, who was lobotomized four years after surviving artillery barrages on the beaches at Anzio, Italy, and spent his remaining days chain-smoking in VA psychiatric wards. Eugene Kainulainen, whose breakdown during the North African campaign the military attributed partly to a childhood tendency toward “temper tantrums and [being] fussy about food.” Melbert Peters, a bomber crewman given two lobotomies—one most likely performed with an ice pick inserted through his eye sockets.
And Mr. Tritz, the son of a Wisconsin dairy farmer who flew a B-17 Flying Fortress on 34 combat missions over Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe.
“They just wanted to ruin my head, it seemed to me,” says Mr. Tritz. “Somebody wanted to.”
Counting the Patients
A memo gives a partial tally of lobotomized veterans and warns of medical complications.
A note about documents:
Yellow highlighting has been added to some documents. The names of patients not mentioned in these articles have been redacted, along with other identifying details. All other marks are original.
The VA documents subvert an article of faith of postwar American mythology: That returning soldiers put down their guns, shed their uniforms and stoically forged ahead into the optimistic 1950s. Mr. Tritz and the mentally ill veterans who shared his fate lived a struggle all but unknown except to the families who still bear lobotomy’s scars.
Mr. Tritz is sometimes an unreliable narrator of his life story. For decades he has meandered into delusions and paranoid views about government conspiracies.
He speaks lucidly, however, about his wartime service and his lobotomy. And his words broadly match official records and interviews with family members, historians and a fellow airman.
It isn’t possible to draw a straight line between Mr. Tritz’s military service and his mental illness. The record, nonetheless, reveals a man who went to war in good health, experienced the unrelenting stress of aerial combat—Messerschmitts and antiaircraft fire—and returned home to the unrelenting din of imaginary voices in his head.
During eight years as a patient in the VA hospital in Tomah, Wis., Mr. Tritz underwent 28 rounds of electroshock therapy, a common treatment that sometimes caused convulsions so jarring they broke patients’ bones. Medical records show that Mr. Tritz received another routine VA treatment: insulin-induced temporary comas, which were thought to relieve symptoms.
‘Anxious to Start’
The VA hospital in Tuskegee, Ala., asks permission to perform lobotomies.
To stimulate patients’ nerves, hospital staff also commonly sprayed veterans with powerful jets of alternating hot and cold water, the archives show. Mr. Tritz received 66 treatments of high-pressure water sprays called the Scotch Douche and Needle Shower, his medical records say.
When all else failed, there was lobotomy.
“You couldn’t help but have the feeling that the medical community was impotent at that point,” says Elliot Valenstein, 89, a World War II veteran and psychiatrist who worked at the Topeka, Kan., VA hospital in the early 1950s. He recalls wards full of soldiers haunted by nightmares and flashbacks. The doctors, he says, “were prone to try anything.”
https://taskandpurpose.com/fda-just-designated-mdma-breakthrough-therapy-ptsd-treatment/

All,
Thanks for reading this. I have been trying to find all the information that I can about getting re-examined. So I thought I would start here and I did my research on here. I am rated at 70% for PTSD with Major Depression Disorder long with a few other claims that rounds out to 80%. Ill mostly be disscussing my mental health award and not the others Since the that is my highest rating. My benefits where awarded in July of 2017 as far what e-benifits shows. that was my backpay date. In my award letter that I got in the mail it states for all my conditions even tinnitus that "since there is a likelihood of improvement, the assigned evaluation is not considered permanent and is subject to a future review examination". First let me state that I am beyond grateful of my award and I do not wish to try to try to increase my ratings or bring any attention to my file or profile with the VA. I am content with where I am at. I go to the VA every two weeks for my 1 on 1 with my Mental Health provider. So I am knocking out two birds with one stone as far as getting my treatment and showing the VA that I am seeking treatment.
Now...What are the circumstances of me getting Re-evualutated? Is it the luck of the draw and I might get randomly selected? I know plenty of people with lower ratings that are not TDIU or P&T that have been rated for over 4-5 years with no exams what so ever. Consider me being paranoid but I want to be Pre-emptive. Especially since my award letter clearly states that ALL my conditions "is subject to future review examination". When would the VA see that my condition has improved if it did? Would they get an alert from the VA Hospital that I am doing better? Or would it would it arise if i get selected for a review and they review my medical records? Like I said earlier im contempt at 80% and more than anything I just want to stay out of sight out of mind on the VA's raters radar and continue my treatment in peace.

I am in the process of putting together a claim package for mental health issues related to MST. Try as I might, I cannot find a VSO with experience in my situation. It's taken me years to accept that I need help and that I need to address this once and for all, so when I say that I cannot handle doing this twice (submitting a sub par claim and then doing appeals) I really mean it. From day to day, I vacillate between thinking my problems are actually other people's inability to cope OR feeling like there is no point to me and that I'm a burden.If it weren't for the whole not being able to pay bills and risking alienating my kids for all eternity, I'd be perfectly content letting the world turn while I hang out at home and being maladjusted and mean.
In my perfect world, there would be a check list of things to submit for a fully developed claim. On this checklist, there would be a list of key phrases or high points that would help sway the decision makers into awarding adequate compensation. I haven't been able to find anyone that has had success doing this with a case like mine. I have police reports from the MST. I have trauma counseling records and AD medical records that clearly state a d/x for PTSD related to rape on X date. My counseling sessions identified dissociation behaviors, PTSD, and anxiety. One doctor even noted that I was combative and stated that I wished harm on my attackers.
Obviously, the Navy handled this clear cut case of rape, with evidence and my complete cooperation, like they do any scandal. They buried it and came after me. That might be a secondary stressor, but I've been warned that claiming a secondary stressor could hose up everything and to keep my mouth shut? kind of amazing that the advice that is meant to help, sounds a lot like the advice that sent me careening out of control all those years ago.
Anyhow, I survived, got married, got out, and went in and out of counseling. Over the years, I've been diagnosed with PTSD, Chronic Depression, Chronic Adjustment Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized anxiety Disorder, and Dissociation Disorder. I don't trust military medicine or the government, so most of my counseling was done through non-profit organizations and women's shelters. They're so secretive, that I felt it'd be safe to tell them what I went through and my statements wouldn't end up in the Navy's summary of Mishaps... again. So, I don't really have records of those, except for prescriptions that were reported to Tricare. I do have my civilian medical records. It has page after page of doctors complaining that I broke down, was combative, emotional etc, etc. I do have a few sessions with shrinks at MTFs in the last couple years. They were not keen on actual diagnostics, they just gave me the pills I asked for.
I'm shopping shrinks to assess me and give diagnosis. I'm not sure I need a nexus letter, but I'm thinking it wouldn't hurt. I have a letter from my ex boss describing how my work performance plummeted over the years and how he made accommodations to keep me on. I also have a letter from me, describing my bad days and my rituals to get through them. My husband and his best friend were witnesses to the fallout of my rape, in terms of the military's response to me. They can verify in statements that I did report it and go into counseling. They can also verify that I'm socially isolated and very codepenedent on them to meet new people or get involved in activities. I don't have a single friend that they didn't make for me, first. I do not know how to people. I don't have friends from work. I don't have "my own" friends from church. I don't even have people who like me well enough, and include me in things, without my husband and his best friend acting as intermediaries.
oh, I also have the most recent sentencing transcripts for the ringleader of my attackers. The judge stated that he felt this dude was unrepentant and a monster. He cited his past sex crimes, "both in the record and that didn't make it to trial" and his history of convincing others to help him conceal his crimes. If that's not a shout out from the bench, I don't know what is.

Anyhow, I guess my question is, has anyone here done a fully developed MST claim with multiple bullet points for anxiety, phobia, ptsd, and depression, and get 100% or at least, a high enough rating to qualify for unemployability? Without having to go through appeals and lawyers? Was a police report enough, even if the military dropped it? Should I give the C&P my evidence, letters, and my personal statement too? I'm sure I have 1000 more questions, but I'm mostly looking for someone who has done what I'm trying to do.

HI,
New here. Found the community through google. I'm still learning to navigate the site, so please bear with me. Searching got me in the right direction but not close enough.
I was recently diagnosed with Service connected PTSD through the VA. I have not done a C&P exam yet. On the same day I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea through a VA sleep study. I've read that there is a slim chance to connect my sleep apnea as a secondary to my PTSD. My VA psych Dr said they aggrevate each other, but a pulmonologist opinion would have more power than his. I've seen some advice from other members talking about letter templates, DBQs and supporting articles. However, I haven't been able to find them here.
I've scheduled a civilian Dr. appointment with a pulmonologist in about 2 week and would like to come prepared with any information I can.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Nova

I'm reading this VA Citation :NR 1231506 and the VA is saying that because a Veteran with PTSD is getting improvement from his psychiatric medication, that he's showing less symptoms because of it, that he is having his rating reduced from 70% to 30% for PTSD. The VA did reverse the reduction at the BVA. Is this still something to worry about? At a C&P exam does the Veteran have to make it clear that the medication is the reason for improvements and needed to sustain them?

Citation NR: "
An October 2009 VA medical record reflects that the Veteran reported that the medication he had been prescribed helped with ability to be out in public and that, while leery about being around people, he could go out in public much more easily. His mood overall was good, and he indicated that he continued to enjoy dining out with his wife and stopping by the VFW to socialize with friends. The examiner assigned a GAF score of 76-80".
Over at Veteran's Law Blog it says
"As an example, say a Veteran has been able to service-connect Irritable Bowel Syndrome (DC 7319).
Undiagnosed, the symptoms of IBS might be a component of Gulf War Illness
With prescribed medication, our hypothetical Veteran’s condition moderates from a severe form of the disease to a milder form.
The severe form of IBS is rated at 30% and the moderate form of IBS is rated by the VA at 10%.
Let’s say the VA gives the Vet a rating of 10%, claiming that the Veteran’s medication limits her symptoms.
Is that 10% rating correct?
No . The Diagnostic Criteria in the VA Rating Schedule for Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not specifically list the effects of medication.
Therefore, the VA is not allowed to consider the relief it provides when determining the degree of disability.
Has this happened to you?
When have you seen the VA use “improvement due to medication” as an excuse to give a lower rating"?
https://www.veteranslawblog.org/va-disability-claim-medication-reduce-va-ratings/

I filed a claim for PTSD back in 2014 and then had my C&P. At the C&P the outside VA examiner asked multiple questions and focused on my upbringing (which was good) and my Father almost insinuating that my MST really is from my Father. When I left there I was completed traumatized because of the line of questioning and that he didn't even ask about my military time and shortly after I was denied. At the same time I had already been diagnosed by my VA Mental health Dr and through a MST coordinator. I got the denial shortly after and because I was so upset just did nothing since I didn't want to go through it again. I still went to the VA for treatment and then 2017 I requested an increase for my TBI. They scheduled a C&P and I went and the VA this time and within 4 weeks I was went from 10% TBI to 70% for TBI/PTSD making my overall rating 100%. A few days ago, I received my narrative and I immediately requested my original claim of PTSD reopened requesting an effective date change to my original claim that was denied . My question is that because I did nothing from 2014-2017 will they deny or is there anything I can do to have my effective date changed since the first C&P went so wrong.

I separated from active duty service in the Air Force with in 2010 and had undiagnosed non-combat military connected PTSD with alcohol use in remission (According to my VA disability paperwork which puts me at 50% for ptsd.) This was granted the beginning of last year. I recently put in to have my discharge upgraded to honorable from general and have yet to hear back from them. (E-benefits say maybe I'll hear about it early February 2018.)
There were a few selfmedicated incidents with alcohol that happened while I was active duty that resulted in going into a civilian rehabilitation facility, a perscription to an antidepressant, and a lot of suicidal ideation I recently admitted in my paperwork to the review board that I was afraid to admit to my command because they would do things like write someone up for a sunburn (destruction of government property), or purposefully keep spouses apart by writing one up for something they didn't do and keep them from going during their significant others' PCS (because someone else did it to them for five years and "they turned out fine"(There was no way to prove otherwise.)).
I was recently reading about medical retirement from the military. It's a little confusing. I was wondering if there was a way to submit for reconsideration and medically retire from the military after separation?

Hello all,
Q: Is there somewhere besides the JSRRC that would keep Marine Corps helicopter accident records.
I was diagnosed (by the VA) with PTSD related to a helicopter accident that I was in in the late 80's. I prepared and submitted a PTSD claim that includes details of the accident as well as a buddy statement from someone involved in the investigation of the accident. In my claim I requested assistance from the VA in checking the JSRRC for the related records to prove the accident and my involvement as I did not have the date of the incident. I requested that the VA (and JSRRC) look in 60 day increments during the 1986-1987 years. They denied my claim because they stated they could not locate the incident. Thanks for any and all assistance. Mike

Our picks

Claims Process – Your claim can go from any step to back a step depending on the specifics of the claim, so you may go from Pending Decision Approval back to Review of Evidence. Ebenefits status is helpful but not definitive. Continue Reading

0 replies

Promoted By

I was rated at 10% for tinnitus last year by the VA. I went to my private doctor yesterday and I described to him the problems that I have been having with my sense of balance. Any sudden movement of my head or movement while sitting in my desk chair causes me to lose my balance and become nauseous. Also when seeing TV if there are certain scenes,such as movement across or up and down the screen my balance is affected. The doctor said that what is causing the problem is Meniere's Disease. Does any know if this could be secondary to tinnitus and if it would be rated separately from the tinnitus? If I am already rated at 10% for tinnitus and I could filed for Meniere's does any one know what it might be rated at? Thanks for your help. 68mustang

Promoted By

I have a 30% hearing loss and 10% Tinnitus rating since 5/17. I have Meniere's Syndrome which was diagnosed by a VA facility in 2010 yet I never thought to include this in my quest for a rating. Meniere's is very debilitating for me, but I have not made any noise about it because I could lose my license to drive. I am thinking of applying for additional compensation as I am unable to work at any meaningful employment as I cannot communicate effectively because of my hearing and comprehension difficulties. I don't know whether to file for a TDUI, or just ask for additional compensation. My county Veterans service contact who helped me get my current rating has been totally useless on this when I asked her for help. Does anyone know which forms I should use? There are so many different directions to proceed on this that I am confused. Any help would be appreciated. Vietnam Vet 64-67.

Promoted By

If you are new to hadit and have DIC questions it would help us tremendously if you can answer the following questions right away in your first post.

What was the Primary Cause of Death (# 1) as listed on your spouse’s death certificate?

What,if anything, was listed as a contributing cause under # 2?

Was an autopsy done and if so do you have a complete copy of it?

It can be obtained through the Medical Examiner’s office in your locale.

What was the deceased veteran service connected for in his/her lifetime?

Did they have a claim pending at death and if so what for?

If they died from anything on the Agent Orange Presumptive list ( available here under a search) when did they serve and where? If outside of Vietnam, what was their MOS and also if they served onboard a ship in the South Pacific what ship were they on and when? Also did they have any major physical contact with C 123s during the Vietnam War?

And how soon after their death was the DIC form filed…if filed within one year of death, the date of death will be the EED for DIC and also satisfy the accrued regulation criteria.